Leon's features hardened, the moment of weakness vanishing from his eyes to be replaced by a warm, fierce anger. He took a step forward and placed a heavy hand on her shoulder, forcing her to stand upright.
"Olivia, stop this nonsense," he said, his voice sharp but entirely devoid of accusation. "My child or my brother's child... they are one and the same in this house. There is no difference to me."
He locked his eyes onto hers, which were wide with remorse, and continued with a chilling coldness and unyielding resolve: "The one who deserves punishment and death is the one who dared to place this poison in my home. You are not guilty because a resentful enemy lurks in the shadows. You had nothing to do with this."
